In an unusual move for General Manager Steve Yzerman, who often keeps his plans private, he expressed his desire to retain a veteran player this offseason. During today’s end-of-season press conference, Yzerman clearly stated that he not only wants to re-sign Patrick Kane but also expects the Detroit Red Wings to do so this offseason.
It’s a little surprising given that the 36-year-old veteran is two seasons removed from postseason hockey since joining the Red Wings. Still, with him and Alex DeBrincat’s bromance, and his 0.87 points-per-game average, there’s no questioning the mutual interest between the two sides.
Kane’s next deal will likely be similar to this year’s. On the eve of last season’s free agency period, Detroit re-signed Kane to a one-year, $4MM contract with performance bonuses up to $2.5MM.
Other notes from this evening:
- The Vancouver Canucks may not look outside the organization for their next head coach. In today’s press conference following the departure of former head coach Rick Tocchet, President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford said that Manny Malhotra is on the team’s short list. Aside from spending three years with the Canucks as a player, Malhotra has additionally spent three years as an assistant coach with the club and this season as the head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks.
- Circling back to HockeyTown, Yzerman also shared that the team has moved on from their goaltending coach, Alex Westlund. He’s been the team’s goaltending coach for the last three years, and the team hasn’t made any noticeable improvements in that span. Detroit finished 22nd in save percentage this season with a .889 mark while finishing with the 15th most shots against.